Everybody has freedom of speech. However, how does it feel when that freedom is taken away out of fear of what might happen? Many people have been gaining the courage to talk about their traumatic experiences over the years from people throughout America.

Sexual harassment is defined on dictionary.com as “the harassment (typically of a woman) in the workplace, professional, or other social situation, involving the making of unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks.” This definition is often where people get confused and try to tell victims that they are “over reacting,” or “they don’t know what they’re talking about,” making it difficult for victims to come out.

This is why the #metoo campaign started. The campaign was started by Tarana Burke, who sat across from a sexually-harassed 13-year-old girl in 1997 to talk about her story. Since then, she has started a nonprofit organization helping victims of sexual assault and harassment.

This campaign has inspired many other women to come out with their stories in order to inspire others. Celebrities like Cara Delevingne, Aly Raisman, Alyssa Milano (who is credited for jumpstarting the tag on social media) and McKayla Maroney have all spoken out on social media over this issue. The number of people using the hashtag range anywhere from everyday citizens to celebrities and to professional athletes.

One of the major offenders was Harvey Weinstein, who was the first to be called out for sexual harassment by Cara Delevingne and Alyssa Milano. The list of people that Weinstein has abused also includes Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Asia Argento, Rosanna Arquette and Rose McGowan. Weinstein is currently facing a number of allegations and the list continues to grow as more women come out. Weinstein’s former assistant decided to sue the producer for sexual harassment on Dec. 6.

USA gymnastics Olympians are also speaking out about sexual harassment from the USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. Maroney was one of the first to join in the #metoo campaign and explain the trauma she had gotten from Nassar. Raisman soon followed, releasing her statement on social media and in her book, talking about how it is not OK to shame victims for coming out.

Former Olympian Gabby Douglas first criticized Raisman for coming out and said if you dress sexually you are asking for that attention and a “bad crowd.” Gold-medalist Simone Biles stood up for Raisman and criticized Douglas for being unsympathetic. Later that week, Douglas apologized for her insincere comments and released the information that she, in fact, was also abused by Nassar.  USA gymnastics has removed him from his position and the number of gymnasts talking about Nassar has continued to grow.

Many of these cases started to emerge in October and are still coming out in December. Actresses like America Ferrera came out on Oct. 16 to explain the first time she was sexually assaulted at the age of nine and the shame she felt for feeling like she was responsible for an adult man’s actions. She left her fans with an inspirational message for women to join her so the next generation of girls wouldn’t have to deal with being sexually harassed.

Jennifer Lawrence has also come out with her experience and how she was being objectified by directors and producers. It made her feel humiliated and “trapped,” as she felt it would make her look difficult to work with if she stood up for herself.

More cases came out including the Today Show host Matt Lauer. A private source has said that Lauer sexually abused her for the entirety of 2014. The source has chosen to keep her identity a secret and Lauer was immediately fired from the Today Show for further investigation.

On Dec. 6, Democratic Representative John Conyers Jr. officially resigned from Congress. The reasoning behind his resignation was because of a variety of sexual harassment allegations. Conyers Jr. was in Congress for over 50 years. He was officially become the first lawmaker to step down from his position in Capitol Hill. Former aides have accused him of unwanted advances and mistreatment. He has endorsed his son John Conyers III to replace his spot in Congress.

President Donald Trump received several sexual harassment allegations throughout the beginning of his campaign and continues to get them to this day. On Dec. 6, more news came out about his case. One of the 11 women who originally accused Trump of sexual harassment in 2016 is suing the president for defamation.

Many people were hesitant to speak because of the repercussions they thought would occur. Lauren Greene, who accused Conyers of sexual harassment, was told her career would be over if she ever spoke the truth about him. Also, Raisman never thought anything was wrong with Nassar in the beginning and quickly learned it wasn’t okay for Nassar to touch her inappropriately. Lawrence didn’t want to lose her job as an actress for “being difficult.”

These women have built up the courage to confront their traumatizing past to show people it is okay to speak the truth and stand up for yourself. The #metoo campaign continues to gain support and give more victims the opportunity to explain their experiences. There are sites like www.rainn.org for help to report any sexual harassment cases. Society continues to come together in this very difficult time to support one another and put an end to sexual harassment.